Alexander McQueen Crocodile pumps

Alexander McQueen reworks the classic black pump by updating a traditional look in super-luxe crocodile. The Black crocodile pumps with a 115mm / 4.5 inch heel and a 30mm / 1 inch concealed platform have a square toe with a silver cap.

Auguste Racinet, The Complete Costume History

Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet`s Le Costume historique was the most wide-ranging and intelligent study of clothing ever published. Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through the end of the 19th century, the great work—"consolidated" in 1888 into 6 volumes containing nearly 500 plates—remains, to this day, completely unique in its scope and detail. Racinet`s organization by culture and subject has been preserved in TASCHEN`s magnificent and complete reprint, as have excerpts from his delightful descriptions and often witty comments. Perusing these beautifully detailed and exquisitely colored illustrations, you`ll discover everything from the garb of ancient Etruscans to traditional Eskimo attire to 19th century French women`s couture. Though Racinet`s study spans the globe from ancient times through his own, his focus is on European clothing from the Middle Ages to the 1880s and this subject is treated with exceeding passion and attention to detail. The Complete Costume History is an absolutely invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; it is also an immensely fascinating and inspirational book for anyone with an interest in clothing and style.

CONTENTS:
Part I – The Ancient World (Egypt, Assyria, Israel, Persia and Phrygia, Greece, Etruscan, Greco-Roman, Rome, Barbarian Europe, Celts and Gauls)
Part II – The 19th Century - Beyond the Borders of Europe (Oceania, Africa, Eskimos, North American Indians, Mexican Indians, South American Indians, China, Japan, India, Ceylon, Middle East, Orient, Turkey)
Part III – Europe 400-1800 (Byzantium, France-Byzantine, Poland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, England, Holland)
Part IV – Traditional Costume Till the Late 19th Century (Scandinavia, Holland, Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France)
Part V - Patterns and Templates

Lalique Limited Edition Turtle Vase

Lalique - known for their exquisite crystal work has launched the Limited Edition Turtle Vase named after the reptile due to its design which imitates the shell of a turtle. This vase is from their Sculpture d’lumiere collection and is available in both black and white crystal versions.

Wineside Test Tube Wine Testers

Wineside allows Paris is offering Wineside Test Tube Wine Testers at Colette, the tubes allows wine lovers to sample multiple selections of quality wines.

A wide selection of sweet and classic wines are offered, including Muscat and Sauterns for sweets, and Pomerol and Chateau Neuf du Pape for classics. Sweets come in 6cl tubes, whereas classics are available in 6cl and 10cl variants.

The flat-based glass tubes with flavor-protecting screw tops are sold both individually or in packages, which offer introductions to differing varieties, years or regions.

Bugatti plans open-air Veyrons

Bugatti is planning a production run of open-air Veyrons. According to AutoExpress, the targa Veyron will use a 6.0L W16 and starts at about £900,000. The targa Veyron is expected to come with a top speed of 217 mph.

Ebony Ring Necklace

This unusual necklace by Paola Napoli for CoutureLab features beautiful African materials. Integrated between the strings of polished onyx are 18 karat gold beads. The hand-threaded onyx and gold beads are secured with the pass through gold trimmed ebony pendant.

julian mayor ‘impression’ chair

With Impression, julian mayor devised a chair that carves the recess a human shape occupies out of a 3D grid, creating a realization of a graphic model. Impression was created from the map of a person’s seat that was then digitized and sectioned on a computer.

“The way a computer sees is so imprinted into our visual acceptance of things that I created a chair that would look in reality as it would on a screen,” says Julian.

FASHION NOTEBOOK NEEDLE

assouline offer this Leather-bound notebook with fashion illustrations by François Berthoud. The book features Signature cotton ribbon to mark the page and 144 ivory pages with silver foil edges

Balenciaga Perforated foam dress with water lily print

Balenciaga Perforated foam dress with water lily print is an exquisite showpiece that looks great look with towering heels. The foam dress features lilac, black and green print blossoms over the orange background. Round neck leads into a stitched front. High waist. The hemline falls to mid thigh. A zip fastening runs down the back. Short sleeves.

Toshiba ET20

Toshiba's TDP-ET20U is the optimum projector for users who expect and demand connectivity flexibility, usage versatility and performance at a tremendous value. With an integrated DVD player and 5.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic surround sound for true cinema sound quality, the TDP-ET20U delivers all the big screen drama, sound and excitement with extreme short projection capabilities. The TDP-ET20U can project up to a 100 inch screen image from just 3.9 feet away. Ideal for movie nights, sports events, video games, digital photos and business presentations, the TDP-ET20U all in one projector is a complete solution for mobile professionals, teachers, businesses, and home entertainment. Other features unique to the TDP-ET20U are its sharp and clear display with 1100 Lumens brightness, 2000:1 high contrast ratio, and widescreen format with adjustable aspect ratio from 16:9 to 4:3. Toshibas TDP-ET20U integrates the data, video and audio features necessary for flexible use such as business presentations, DVD movies, video games or viewing digital photos. The projector comes packaged in a sleek, black piano finish casing with one computer input one RGB 15 pin, one video input for composite, one S video, three component video via 3 x RCA, and one HDMI/ High Definition Multimedia Interface port. The HDMI port is an industry supported, uncompressed, all digital audio/video interface, providing an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source.

TIME BY CHANEL

The young Gabrielle Chanel didn't wear a watch. She lived her life and her time as she created them, in the most naïve contempt of appropriateness and common practices: the hours didn't have the same length for her as for most people. She already understood that the watch, a key object in the century of speed, should be solid, ordinary, and fine. The post-war years confirmed her taste for large Swiss watches worn with white bracelets, which she often offered to her friends. Can it be a coincidence that she first wanted to live in Switzerland, the world¹s cradle of watch making, when Paris no longer recognized her, before making Lausanne her last dwelling place?

silodesign double walled glasses by romain gauthrot

silodesign has turned the sturdy borosilicate glass into something that looks far more delicate than it really is. each piece is mouth blown with a double wall, creating the striking illusion of liquid levitation. the functional characteristics of these glasses preserve the temperature of your drinks (or food); keeping warm things warm and cold things cold. the exterior wall stays at an ambient temperature for comfortable use. dishwasher and microwave safe.

available in a variety of sizes, the silodesign double walled series can be used in a number of ways: vases, coffee cups, cocktails, vodka sips, entrées, desserts, tea, and the list goes on and on…

Goroka Limited Edition Nespresso Coffee

Nespresso have released a limited edition coffee for 2008 named Goroka. Goroka uses Arabica beans which were grown in the very humid and warm tropical rainforest of Papua New Guinea. Goroka is available exclusively from Nespresso stores worldwide.

kraft paper softblocks by forsythe and macallen for molo

kraft paper softblocks can be stacked, joined or used on their own to freely create and shape richly textured walls, or functional surfaces of varying heights and forms, for use as partitions, tables, bars, etc. kraft paper softblocks are available in sizes from 1' to 6' tall, and various thicknesses, and can be stretched open to as much as 20' (6m) in length.
all softblocks, of any dimensions, whether made of textile or kraft paper material can link to one another using their magnetic connectors.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Slim Alligator Folio

Ralph Lauren's Purple Label line has launched this classic folio. The folio can be used as a case for a sub-notebook computer . It is made of Louisiana alligator skin which is lined with calfskin with a single interior alligator card slot.

Cheyenne Studded Bag

Renaud Pellegrino Collection's luxuriously soft calf suede bag is studded with pewter arranged in the style of traditional Cheyenne tapestry. Leather tassels fasten the zip pockets along the side and chrome studs secure the handles. There are interior zip and pouch pockets and a tassel finished zip closure. The bag is lined with silver silky cotton. $3,012

Anantara Seminyak Bali

Situated on 3,500 square metres of prime beachfront, Anantara's Bali resort at Seminyak features 59 suites of approximately 80 square metres, furnished in true Anantara style, including plasma screen TVs, contemporary Asian-inspired furniture, broadband internet connection and signature spacious baths. Anantara's facilities include a destination restaurant on the ground floor, offering an al-fresco and indoor international dining experience, a rooftop terrace bar to enjoy the famous Seminyak sunsets, an onsite Anantara Spa, and two infinity-edge swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.

All this in one of Bali's most upscale enclaves, home to some of the island's most elegant restaurants and cafes, shopping and a chic nightlife scene drawing international jetsetters from the world over. Dive into Bali's rich culture, local charm and international style with Anantara's stunning Bali resort.

Emerald Maasai Choker

This beautiful piece is inspired by the traditional chokers worn by the Maasai, was re-worked by Roumeguere for CoutureLab using precious emeralds. The centerpiece comprises a raw diamond, a coral and enamel pendant and 22 karat gold beads. An antique East African colonial coin and an 18 karat gold Hand of Fatima, believed to protect against the 'evil eye', complete this unique piece. $5,626

JetSuite

JetSuite, founded by Alex Wilcox, one of the founding team members at JetBlue Airways pays private jet owners $25,000 per month to charter their aircrafts out to others during any downtime , while guaranteeing that owners can fly their planes whenever they want.

JetSuite has agreed to purchase 50 Embraer Phenom 100 very light jets on firm order and an additional 50 Phenom aircraft family options. With the 100 jet aircraft order, JetSuite is both the largest U.S. customer for the Embraer jet and the only operator currently planning to serve the West Coast with it once it obtains the necessary government approvals.

Vertu Constellation Rococo

Vertu has announced the Constellation Rococo collection to celebrate their tenth anniversary this year. The Rococo collection was inspired by the eighteenth century French art, fashion and interior design movement. The collection features intricate flower patterns embroidered into the leather on the back of the phone. The phone will be available in noir, scarlet, ivory colors as well as an exclusive sapphire edition. The sapphire edition features a cabochon sapphire center button as well as cabochon sapphire screws, the sapphire version also features Rococo patterns engraved onto the bezel. The Vertu Constellation Rococo Collection will be available this summer.

Penhaligon's Bath Oil

Penhaligon's Bath Oil is an opulent preparation which transforms the water into an opaque and heavily scented bath. The Bath Oil is attracted to the body leaving it scented and smooth and leaves no residue in the bath.

Robert A. Rosania champagne auction

Acker Merrall & Condit is auctioning off a fraction of champagne collector Robert A. Rosania's,immense collection of vintage bubbly at New York’s Cru restaurant. The 1,346 bottles, 303 magnums and 11 jeroboams include legendary champagne like 1914 Pol Roger (estimated at $8,000 to $15,000 a bottle), 1966 Krug Blanc de Blancs ($10,000 to $15,000) and 1964 Salon ($7,000 to $10,000). The Rosania sale, which also includes red gems like Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, could top $5 million, Acker says.

Empress Eugénie’s Brooch returns to The Louvre

The Louvre has acquired a diamond brooch originally planned for auction at Christie's New York April 15. The auction was canceled at the final hour due to court order. Empress Eugénie’s Brooch had a pre-sales estimate of $4 million to $6 million and was one of numerous lots for sale in Christie's Rare Jewels and Gemstones The eye of a connoisseur. The Louvre paid EUR6.72 million (almost $11 million.)

After the sale was canceled, a private sale of the brooch was negotiated to the Louvre by François Curiel, president of Christie’s Europe, with the agreement of the owner.

CHANEL JEWELRY

One of the most visible personalities of her era, Gabrielle Chanel invented a style synonymous with modernity and chic. What is perhaps less well known is that the ‘grand dame’ of 20th century fashion also worked with silver and diamonds to create an exceptional collection of the finest jewelry - a collection that is both classic and contemporary, in keeping with the tradition of one of the great names of the 20th century. In this volume, Chanel’s foray into the world of jewels is told.

VENETIAN LIBRARY

Designed for the most discerning bibliophiles, Assouline’s contemporary library features a fine selection of 139 books, grouped according to collection and series. The sleek, metal and wood structure is hand-crafted in Italy and metal plaques distinguish the feature titles. Three Assouline candles distill the atmosphere of this very special “bibliotheque.”

VENETIAN LIBRARY - $ 30,000.00

BEADIFUL Jewelry by Catherine Howe

BEADIFUL is a luxury jewelery line by the talented Catherine Howe. Catherine started off making her own custom pieces, before coworkers begged for her to make them pieces. The collection for spring 2008, is fun and chic, playing off the colored stone trend. BEADIFUL also offers a custom service to bridal clients.

Henk

10 years in the making the "Henk" is an exotic & elegant mix of materials and engineering from mastermind Henk van de Meene in collaboration with Frog Design. Price- 20,000.

Each case consists of 500 separate parts (more than 22 of them moving), fashioned from Italian burl, black ebony, horse hair, magnesium, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, parachute fabric and the finest leathers.

$20,000
www.henk.com

Coffee Server Set

Sylvie Coquet has designed this five piece porcelain set that includes two trays, a creamer, a sugar pot and a small bowl. Features include an engraved, rippled surface finished with a metallic glaze; a featherweight sugar pot with an unglazed lid and a 24 karat gold coated handle.The porcelain is refined and delicate and should be handled with care.

This coffee server set has been hand-made exclusively for CoutureLab, in Coquet's small atelier in the famous porcelain region of Limoges, France.

M-Zero concept car

M-Zero is a new concept car designed by Maël Oberkampf. The M-Zero concept car takes inspiration from the BMW M series, Mercedes Benz and DB9 Aston Martin, reports LL.

BMW Klipsch Palladium P-39F Speakers

BMW has launched the premium Klipsch Palladium P-39F Speakers designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The floor-standing speakers stand 5-feet tall, and feature flush-mounted cones and horns. They have a horizontal zebra-grain veneer finish that makes them look handsome. The brushed aluminum base compliments the finish reports luxury launches

"The new speaker design celebrates Klipsch's hallmark horn-loaded technology, which delivers high-efficiency sound with low distortion, controlled directivity, flat frequency response and wide dynamic range." The Klipsch Palladium P-39F Speakers From BMW cost $15,000/pair when they become available this summer.

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II coupe auction

The 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II coupe built for Barbara Hutton, is being auctioned off on eBay with a starting bid of $1.1 million, luxist reports. The Woolworth Heiress originally purchased the car, one of only two ever made , for her first husband, the Russian Prince Alexis Mdivani. With coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly, the car cost $20,000 at the time.

Christian Louboutin's Patent Ankle Wrap Pumps

For Spring-Summer 2008, Christian Louboutin’s Patent Ankle Wrap Pumps. Available in white and black, here.

• Patent leather
• Peep toe
• Buckled halter ankle strap
• Gold-tone covered platform

image this is lavie

Loro Piana's cashmere-lined marmot plaid

Loro Piana's cashmere-lined marmot plaid is beautiful solution to cold winter nights

Studio Olafur Eliasson. An Encyclopedia

Studio Olafur Eliasson is an experimental laboratory located in Berlin. Led by renowned Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, it functions as an interdisciplinary space, generating fresh dialogues between art and its surroundings.

This rich sourcebook enables the reader to delve into the Studio’s diverse projects. The key concepts behind the works are presented alphabetically, and unfold in the course of short conversations with the artist.

Sony High Definition Camcorder HDR-TG1

The new pocket-sized Sony HDR-TG1 Handycam® camcorder's weighty high-definition capability will appeal to vacationers who prefer to "travel light." This diminutive camcorder weighs in at only ten ounces. It has an ultra-portable body measuring just 1.3-inches wide by 4.7-inches tall by 2.5-inches deep. It is a full-featured camcorder that can record 1920 x 1080 HD video and 4-megapixel digital photos directly to Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo™ or PRO Duo Mark2 media cards. Its size and full recording capability makes it the world's smallest full HD camcorder.

Can be purchased, along with other accessory options, direct at sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (sonystyle.com/retail), at authorized dealers nationwide, and at military base exchanges. Pre-orders begin on Apr. 4 at www.sonystyle.com.

Elegante Extra Añejo

Super premium Mexican tequila brand Partida, has launched Elegante Extra Añejo, at Harvey Nichols . Each comes in a numbered, hand finished decanter with a crystal stopper. Its taste is so far removed from the burning sensation many associate with tequila that you may have difficulty recognising it.

This smooth, matured tequila is made using the very best hand harvested blue agave, which is then distilled and aged to perfection, in the finest American oak barrels. The flavour is almost bourbon like; the sweet honey, vanilla nose is followed with well integrated flavours of spice, apricots, caramel, raisins and a touch of agave tanginess. Partida achieves a rare and delicate balance between age old tradition and modern techniques, creating a sophisticated spirit with genuine heritage. £350 for 750ml

CROCODILE LEATHER FOLIO CASE

This CROCODILE LEATHER FOLIO CASE by NANCY GONZALEZ
is priced at $10k on Assouline. Features

- Genuine crocodile leather slipcase
- Lined in red leather
- Edition limited to10 pieces
- Five of Assouline’s folio books:
Last Heroes, Lost Africa, Sculptures of Picasso,
Planets by Thierry Despont and Symbols of Judaism.

Giorgio Armani Luxury Traveler

Giorgio Armani has launched a Luxury Traveler Collection featuring men’s and women’s luggage in luxury materials. Part of the line aimed at women travelers, includes a three-piece set in patent crocodile. Two suitcases and a doctor’s bag.

The men’s set includes four suitcases in calfskin and with soft, smooth nappa interiors.

Kohler Karbon Kitchen Faucet

With its clean, crisp lines, the Karbon articulating faucet introduces a new geometry of versatile functionality to the kitchen. Intelligently engineered to hold any pose for hands-free operation, Karbon allows you to streamline your work surfaces and workflow. You can extend the faucet fully to fill large pots, lower it into the sink for food preparation and cleanup, fold it compactly out of the way when not in use, or position it anywhere in between.



Kohler Karbon's list price is "$925 and up," available by June or July.

Marantz ES7001

Termed the Cinemarium, Marantz’s new ‘one-box-for-all’ design comprises six speaker drivers – arranged in special tweeter, midrange and woofer configuration – each individually powered by a hi-fi quality digital class D amplifier, housed in an incredibly solid extruded aluminium monocoque enclosure. This makes the Cinemarium the best performing ‘soundbar’ around, easily outperforming the multiple undersized speakers found elsewhere and delivering bags more bass.

LUXE City Guides Bespoke Box

The LUXE Bespoke Boxes are available exclusively at Luxe City Guides, and hold 5 LUXE City Guides of your choice.

These handsome, handmade boxes feature sleek embedded magnetic fastenings and are available in rich, albino faux lizard skin with embossed gold logo. Just select LUXE Bespoke Boxes and fill it with any five LUXE guides of your choice from the LUXE City Guides range.

Gemesis $500,000 Diamond Necklace

Gemesis, designer Lee Havens is exhibiting a yellow cultured diamond necklace retailing for $500,000. The necklace features 72 stones assuring 64 carats.

The 10% of the sales are contributed to benefit The Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR).

Palm Jumeirah Island

Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island created using land reclamation by Nakheel, a company owned by the Dubai government. It is one of three islands called The Palm Islands aimed at increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 km. The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and the original of three Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) under development by Nakheel. It is located on the Jumeirah coastal area of the emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. The Jumeirah Palm island features themed boutique hotels, luxury villas (Signature Villas, Garden Homes and Canal Cove Town Homes), shoreline apartment buildings, beaches, marinas, restaurants, cafés and a variety of retail outlets.

The Great Brazil Express

GREAT BRAZIL EXPRESS, is a new and unique luxury train trip in Brazil. Great Brazil Express offers an exclusive tour, in which you are treated as a VIP client during the whole journey from Rio de Janeiro to the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu or vice versa. Prices start at $3500.

Jimmy Choo sunglasses

Jimmy Choo has introduced a brand new range of sunglasses to their accessories lines.

Founder and President of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon came up with the idea for the sunglasses range because she didn't feel satisfied with what was on the market at the time.

From the Aviator style Charleys, to the glamorous Rock shades which have a large Swarovski stone on each arm, there is a style for every taste. And each pair comes in their own specially designed cases.

Jimmy Choo sunglasses are available exclusively at Harvey Nichols London.

Hublot limited edition 'Euro 2008' Big Bang

Hublot has released a limited edition Big Bang to celebrate their role as sponsors of the Euro 2008 football tournament. The Euro 2008 Big Bang features a unique chronograph movement named the HUB45 which times forty five minutes instead of one hour. (time of game) Only two thousand and eight will be made.

Cayenne Turbo S

Porsche , has extended its third model line by the addition of the top of the range Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S, the most powerful Cayenne of them all, is driven by a 4.8 liter V8 engine with twin turbo forced induction, delivering 550 hp (404 kW).

The Turbo S is Porsche’s response to the wishes of its customers. There is huge demand, especially in the new emerging markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, for exclusive sports-style SUVs with top quality physical handling dynamics. Despite the fact that Porsche has managed to give the new Turbo S even better drive performance than the regular Turbo model (500 hp / 368 kW), the fuel efficiency figures for the Turbo S are exactly the same as those for the Cayenne Turbo (as per the calculation methods stipulated under the New European Operating Cycle – NEFZ).

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and its top speed is 280 km/h. The Turbo S will be introduced into the market as from August 2008.

Technical data

Engine: V8 with two parallel exhaust turbo loaders
Fuel injection: direct fuel injection (DFI)
Displacement: 4,806 cm3 (293.3 cu in)
Bore: 96 mm (3.78 in)
Stroke: 83 mm (3.27 in)
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Max. power output: 404 kW (550 hp) at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque: 750 Nm from 2,250 rpm to 4,500 rpm

Gearbox: Six-speed Tiptronic S converter automatic
Transmission: Permanent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with transfer gearshift
All-wheel moment distribution: 38 % : 62 %
(Basic distribution front/rear)

Chassis: Independent suspension – front: via large basis double wishbones; rear: multi-link suspension; air suspension with suspension leveling and ride-height control, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
Brakes: Front: six-piston aluminum monoblock fixed caliper brakes together with two-part internally ventilated brake disks with diameter of 380 mm; rear: four-piston aluminum monoblock brake disks together with internally ventilated brake disks with diameter of 358 mm
Wheels: 10 J x 21
Tires: 295/35 R 21
Steering: Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering
basic weight: 2,355 kg (DIN)
Permissible total weight: 3,080 kg

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.8 sec, 0-60 mph in 4.7 sec
Max. speed: 280 km/h (174.0 mph)

Fuel consumption: 14.9 l/100 km (combined, as per NEFZ), 18.1 mpg (combined)
Emissions: C02 358 g/km (combined)
Pollutant class: EURO 4

THE NEW ENGLISH DANDY

Just in time for the return of the suit comes THE NEW ENGLISH DANDY : a fashion handbook and treasure trove of ideas tailored to the contemporary male.

Fusing classical principles with today’s sensibilities, the book celebrates the return of the well-dressed man. Each thematic section features a specially commissioned fashion shoot by a rising star of fashion photography and a text of bespoke inspiration, instruction, interviews and insight. A reference section provides a tailor’s glossary and contact information.

Black Tie Clutch

This inspired bow tie clutch bag by Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab is hand-made from luxurious Duchesse silk satin. There are pouch pockets on both sides of the bow, fastened with hidden brass zips